BUSINESS: Bluewater Productions jumps ship at Diamond

In a strategic move to better position the company to take advantage of in the quickly expanding digital marketplace and new market economic realities in print, comic book and graphic novel publisher Bluewater Productions announced a new distribution partnership with Comic Flea Market. In a related move, the Vancouver-based company severed ties with distribution giant Diamond Comic Distributors.

According to Bluewater, Comic Flea Market (www.comicfleamarket.com) will print all future Bluewater titles including several that Diamond abruptly canceled due to their benchmark. These individual issues will be available in print as well as digital downloads for Nook, Kindle, iPad and other standard eReaders. Bluewater’s graphic novels will still be distributed by SCB.

“Many people have tried to compete with Diamond and failed, what makes Comic Flea Market unique, is a lot of main stream book publishers and DVD companies such as Warner Bros. are going print on demand on some of their titles. Comic Flea Market is doing it not only for Bluewater but the entire comic book marketplace”, said CEO Nick Sachs from Comic Flea Market. “Not only will we be handling the printing of the titles, we will also handle distribution to comic book stores at the similar discounts. This dynamic will secure the place for printed material in comic book stores”.

“Obviously we are very excited to present our entire library of titles through Comic Flea Market,” said Bluewater President Darren G. Davis. “They are extremely supportive of independent publishers like Bluewater and the have the vision and the channel to make certain titles get into the hands of comic book readers.”

One of the key differentiators is CFM’s ability to print to order. As a business model, this suits Bluewater in terms of removing the requirements to overprint certain titles and deal with a costly administrative bureaucracy.

“I need to be clear. We are not abandoning comic book shops. In fact we need you more than ever. In this new paradigm, you order what you need at the similar discounts. When you need more of a certain issue, you simply order again,” Davis noted. “I go to my local comic book store every Wednesday to get my books, this is a ritual I have done for years because I love holding a print book in my hands”.

Davis emphasized the decision to leave Diamond was predicated on being able to maximize exposure and distribution.

“My experience has shown me that if your name is not DC or Marvel, it is very difficult to get support from Diamond. As an independent producer, I felt it was time to take our titles to the next level.” Davis said.

Davis added that although the focus of new and encore titles will be digital, anyone who wants a single issue, a complete story arc or a graphic novel in traditional print will be able to order the books directly or through their favorite comic book shop.

Bluewater has some exciting new properties coming in the future such as spin offs of the popular Adam West series with Dirk Benedict, Eartha Kitt and Bill Mumy. Also working with the famed reality show the Beekman Boys on a new series called “PolkaSpot”. Also titles with NY Times horror novelist John Saul as well as SE Hinton. Bluewater will also be continuing its biography series featuring famous artists, celebrities and politicians.

Bluewater is currently working on making its entire library of 1,000+ titles available as digital downloads which are typically available through such avenues as Comixology, Iverse, Panelfly, Drivethru, Gumroad, Graphicly, Kindle, Nook and iTunes.

“For the better part of ten years, I’ve watched the independent comic industry struggle. However with new technologies and marketing I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel. That light is print-to-order, and that train is Comic Flea Market,” Davis added.

Comic book stores and other retailers looking to order Bluewater titles will still receive similar wholesale discounts as they had in the past.

Just as it has always done, each month Bluewater will release the titles available to order through to comic book stores and the comic book press.

About Bluewater Productions

Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers.

About Comic Flea Market

Comic Flea Market is the online store of www.comicbookprinting.com. Here we return your e-mail’s quickly, answer your phone calls (YES – we want to speak with you on the telephone), and ship your orders promptly.

This year we will also be launching a nationwide distribution network for comic stores and other mass merchants. New Comics and other Merchandise will be added continuously, so don’t forget to check back often. Feel free to drop us an e-mail for some customer feedback. This site will be tailored to your requests. We are available by phone at 631-752-1934 or email sales@comicfleamarket.com.

If you are a store looking for bulk orders at wholesale prices and discounted shipping please contact us directly at 631-752-1934 or email sales@comicfleamarket.com.